A new report has revealed that Apple continues to dominate the global smartphone market in 2026, with its devices leading sales charts during the first quarter of the year.
According to data released by Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 16 emerged as the world’s best-selling smartphone from January to March 2026. Despite strong competition from Android manufacturers, Apple maintained a clear lead in global sales.
The report highlights that Apple’s latest lineup performed exceptionally well overall. The iPhone 17 series also secured top positions, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max ranking second and the iPhone 17 Pro coming in third among the most sold devices globally.
In terms of overall market share, the iPhone 17 accounted for around 6% of total global smartphone sales during the first quarter, underscoring Apple’s continued influence in the premium smartphone segment.
Samsung was the leading Android competitor on the list, with its Galaxy A07 4G and Galaxy A7 5G securing the fourth and fifth spots respectively. These models represent Samsung’s strong presence in the mid-range and budget segments, which continue to perform well in developing markets.
Interestingly, the iPhone 16, which was the best-selling smartphone in 2025, still maintained a strong position, ranking sixth in early 2026. This reflects Apple’s ability to sustain demand for older models alongside newer releases.
The report also points out that despite rising global inflation and reduced consumer purchasing power, Apple’s iPhones continue to sell in large numbers. This suggests strong brand loyalty and consistent demand for premium devices.
On the other hand, Android manufacturers are facing increasing pressure due to rising component costs. The report notes that shortages of key components, particularly RAM, have contributed to higher production costs, which are likely to push smartphone prices upward in the near future.
The continued increase in smartphone prices could impact consumer behavior, especially in price-sensitive markets, potentially slowing down overall growth in the industry.
The findings also align with trends from the previous year. During the first quarter of 2025, Apple devices similarly dominated global sales, with the iPhone 16 ranking as the top-selling smartphone at that time.
